Tumut, Garden Of New South Wales

17 February 1899Albury Banner and Wodonga Express

Tumut is, beyond all doubt, the 'garden of New South Wales'.

At the present time we are finding grass for about three-quarters of a million sheep, to say nothing of cattle and horses from the waterless, wastes of the back country. 

Our wheat yield tops that of the colony, being an average of about 29 bushels per acre and 45 and 50 bushels per acre has not been uncommon.

Some of our farmers with one stripper have done as high as 80 bags per day.

Our oat and hay crops have been unusually good, and the corn crops so far are looking remarkably well. 

But apart from this, thanks to our energetic member, we had a visit from a real live Minister for Works in the person of the Honorable J HYoung, accompanied by the Government whip (Mr. J. Hawthorne), and Mr. Ferguson (who belongs to the Labor party, and says he is blamed for everything that happens, even dry weather).

Of course we did our best to make their visit enjoyable, and they in turn spoke highly of our district, and though the Minister did not promise us a railway he himself seemed satisfied it was a necessity and would not forget us when opportunity offered.

The rest said ditto, and of course everyone at the banquet cheered.

The Ministerial party were driven round the district, and expressed themselves delighted with all they saw, Brungle, Bumbowlee, Tumut Plains, Gilmore, and last, but far from least, the indescribable beauties of the Yarrangobilly Caves.

These are everywhere admitted to be the finest on the island.

The road is in very good condition thereto; the scenery en route is wild and romantic, the mountain air bracing and exhilarating, and at this season of the year there can be no more enjoyable trip taken via the Tumut Valley.

Try it, readers, and you will say, 'The half was not told us.' 

Now, Mr. Editor, after all this we want our railway, and the federal city located in Tumut. 

Albury no doubt is a pretty place, fairly central, &c, but take it from 'your own' it's not a patch on our lovely valley.

Impregnable by virtue of its isolation, permeated by numberless never-failing pellucid streams, climate and rainfall unparalleled by competitors, the sanatorium of the south lies in the back ground, drought never affects us, and the pastoralist oft finds a rescue here for his stock in summer from many a famine haunted spot.

Of course the Federal Parliament will settle the matter, and the members thereof are welcome to my suggestion. 

Harvesting throughout the district is completed, and the yield has been exceptionally good. 

The principal trouble now is the low price offered, 2s. 2d with bags, Rain is wanted now for the corn crops, which so far promise well.

On 22nd and 23rd inst., our show will be held. 

The entries close on Monday last, and we have every promise of a splendid turn out.,